Descending parachute device



June 21, 1960 D. OLEKSIJ DESCENDING PARACHUTE DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 5. 1956 INVENTOR. DIMITRIJ OLEKSl-J June 21, 1960 D. OLEKSIJ 2,941,763

DESCENDING PARACHUTE DEVICE Filed July 5. 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 DIMITRIJ OLEKSIJ DESCENDING PARAQHUTE DEVICE Dimitrij Oleksij, 181 Central Ave., East Orange, NJ. Filed July 5, 1956, Ser. No. 595,911

'4 Claims. (Cl. 244-138) This invention relates to a device for slowing ones descent toward the ground after jumping from, an airplane, a high building, or the like.

Parachutes, commonly used for slowing ones descent, are usable only from aircraft, require that the jump be made from a substantial height in order to allow time for theparachute to open, and gradually descend vertically, with only a small amount of control, at most, being possible so far as movement in a lateral direction is concerned. These are undesirable features of a conventional parachute, in view of the fact that when a parachute is used in military operations, ones inability to control the direction in which. the parachute moves may result in his falling into enemy hands on landing. Further, the substantial distance from which one must jump gives the enemy ample time to observe the descent and as a result, many of the jumpers are often killed by enemy fire while still in the air.

The main object of the present invention is to provide a device for slowing ones descent that will have none of the disadvantages noted above, and hence will be far better suited for military operations than the conventional parachutes heretofore employed.

Another object is to provide a descent-slowing device that will be swiftly adjustable between operative and inoperative positions.

Another object is to cause the device, when it is adjusted to a fully inoperative position, to be collapsed into a compact article capable of being carried readily on ones back, without difiiculty.

Another object is to provide a light, inexpensive, device of. the character described that will be at the same time fully eificient for its intended purposes.

Another object is to form the device in such a manner that as distinguished from conventional parachutes, it will be diflicult to see when in the air,and will present a minimum target for enemy fire.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

Fig. l is a side elevational view of a descentslowing device according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view on a reduced scale of the device as it appears when in use.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged transverse sectional view substantially on line 33 of Fig. 1, showing a detent means carried by the support bar assembly.

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the device, the dotted lines showing the support bar in a position to which it is swingable during use of the device.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged, detail longitudinal sectional showing the connection of one of the blades to its associated hub or casing.

2,941,763 Patented. June, 21, 196i) Fig. 6 is.- a sectional view on the samescal'efis: Fig, 5., taken on line 6-6 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a view similar to- Fig. 4 in which the device has been collapsed.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal. sectional view on line $8 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged, fragmentary longitudinal, see.- tional view-showing the swivel connection between the blade hubs, taken substantially on line 9'9 of Fig. 4.

Referring to the drawings in detail, the device. constituting the present invention may appropriately be;v considered as comprising a series of axially aligned components movably connected in end-to-end relationship. These include an upper blade assembly or rotor generally designated 10, a lower rotor generally designated 12, a control assembly 14, a universal joint comprising pivotally connected tubular members 16, 18-, respectively, and a support bar assembly combining, with its support function, the function of retracting the bladesof the device.

The upper rotor 16 includes a hollow, cylindrically shaped hub 22 open at its opposite ends and having inwardly directed circumferential flanges 24, 26 respectively at its upper and lower ends.

Formed in the side wall of the rotor hub 22 at diametrically opposite locations thereon are elongated, longitudinal slots 23, 28 located substantially medially between opposite ends of the hub. Extending radially outwardly from the hub are elongated upper rotor blades 30, 30 so pitched that on gravitation of the hub they will be caused to rotate and hence slow the downward move ment of the hub.

Formed on the inner ends of the blades are short extensions 32 disposed at an obtuse angle to the length of the blades. At the juncture of the extensions and, the main portions of the blades, pivot pins 34-extend through the blades, these being engaged at their ends in spaced brackets 36 extending radially inwardly from the Walls of the hub at opposite sides of the openings 28.-

A spring 38 has one end engaged against the wall of the hub. Intermediate its ends the spring has a coil extending about the associated pin 34, and the other end of the spring is slidably engaged against and overlies a lug 40 projecting laterally from the extension 32. The springs are tensioned to normally bias the extensions downwardly, thus to normally swing the blades upwardly at their outer ends into a horizontal position.

To center the blades in the openings 28 (Fig.- 6) a washer 42 is disposed at the opposite side of the blade.

The lower rotor 12 is identical, except for the pitch of the blades, to'the upper rotor, and hence need not be described in detail. It is sufiicient to note, it is believed, that the lower rotor includes a hub 44 on which are pivoted blades 46 having extensions 48. The blades 46 are pitched oppositely to the blades 3i), and hence rotate in a direction opposite to that in which the blades 30 rotate. As a result, torque that would otherwise tend to rotate the supported person is counteracted, since any torque that would be created by the blades '30 alone is offset by a counter-torque created by the blades 46.

The hubs of the respective rotors are swivelly connected for relative rotation about a common axis. The connecting means 50 has been shown in detail in Fig. 9, and includes a tubular connector element 52 having outwardly directed flanges 54, 56 on its upper and lower ends respectively. Interposed between the flange 54 and the bottom flange 26 of the upper hub is a ball bearing 58, and similarly located between the flange 56 and the top flange of the rotor hub 44 is a ball bearing 58.

A second connecting assembly 50 is carried by the lower end of rotor hub 44 and connects the hub 44 to the control assembly 14. This rotates about an axis common to that of the hubs and includes a hollow casing 60 having at its upper end an inwardly directed circumferential flange 62. Secured to and extending outwardly from casing 60 is an elongated handle 64 having a hand grip 66.. Handle 64 extends downwardly from the casing 65), obliquely to the mentioned axis. Y The universal connection includes a ring having diametrically opposite, upwardly extending portions 68 extending into the lower end of casing 60, and pivotally connecting said portions to casing 66 are coaxial pins 70 arranged to permit relative pivotal movement of the ring and easing about an axis perpendicular to the common axis of the hubs.

Angularly spaced about the ring circumference ninety degrees from the portions 63 are depending cars 74 overlapping upwardly projecting diametrically opposite extensions 76 of the lower tubular member 18. Pins 78 extend through the overlapping portions 76 and cars 74, connecting the same for relative pivotal movement about an axis normal both to the axis defined by pins 7% and the common axis of the hubs.

The member 13 is of cup shape, having a bottom end wall formed with a center opening 80 in which is axially slidable a straight, elongated bar member 82 on the upper end of which is rigidly formed a hemispherical head 84. ()n the lower end of the bar member there is rigidly attached a transversely disposed seat bar or crosshead 86 providing a thigh support for the user as shown in Fig. 2.

Referring to Fig. 3, a short distance above the seat bar the bar member is provided with a detent means including plungers 88 having rounded heads and, inwardly from the heads, circumferential collars 92 limiting movement of the plungers outwardly through openings 90 of member 82 beyond their Fig. 3 positions by engaging the inner surfaces of the member 82. In the inner ends of the plungers 88 recesses 94 are formed, receiving the ends of a compression coil spring 96.

A bracket 98 has a loop through which extends a strap 100 about which is passed a sleeve or keeper 102 slidable on the strap. A buckle 104 is provided on the end of the strap and thus, the user can connect the strap about his body in the manner shown in Fig. 2.

In use of the device, one seats himself on the crosshead 86 andduring descent controls the lateral direction of movement of the device by tilting the connected rotors out of a full vertical position, in a selected direction. In this way, a highly accurate control of the lateral direction of the device is achieved, and this of course is very desirable, particularly when the device is used by military personnel. Landing of the device at'the exact location desired is thus effected,

During descent, the device operates with rotor it? turning in'one direction and rotor 12 in the other. Control assembly 14 remains substantially stationary, and the universal connection permits the user to remain properly balanced on the support assembly.

On landing, the device may be swiftly collapsed (see Fig. 7) merely by shifting bar member 82 upwardly. As the head 84 moves upwardly through the rotor hub 44, it exerts a cam action against the extensions 48, biasing the same upwardly to swing the outer ends of the blades downwardly.

When the head passes the extensions, they tend to swing downwardly under the force exerted by the springs but engage the bar member so as to be prevented from substantial downward movement.

Movement of the bar member upwardly to its maximum extent serves to collapse both blade assemblies. When the bar member is in its fully telescoped position shown" in Fig. 7, the detents 38 are biased inwardly as they pass through the opening and then are spring biased outwardly within the member 18 to hold the bar member inits retracted position. A strong pull on the crosshead, when the bar member is to be extended once again,

will cause the detents to be retracted as they once again pass the opening 80.

When the device is to be used once again, it is merely necessary to hold each set of blades momentarily in position to permit movement of the head 84 past the same, after which the springs will bias the blades upwardly to their operative positions.

The device, it should be noted, may be used from aircraft both for military and non-military purposes, and can be accurately controlled during descent. Further, it can be used in descents from bridges, high buildings, etc., since it operates immediately as descent begins, hence being usable at minimum heights, even as low as twenty or thirty feet, as distinguished from conventional parachutes, which can be used only at heights sufficient to permit the same to open.

Still further, the device has the desirable characteristic that it can be made of any light metal or other suitable material, and is 'well adapted for standardization and mass production.

Further, a desirable feature of the device, particularly as regards its use in military operations, is found in its low visibility when in use, and its further characteristic of presenting only a small target area. When the user has landed, the device can be collapsed swiftly and packed on his back, ready for reuse an unlimited number of times.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiment of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise construction herein disclosed and that various changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

' Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent l. A descent-slowing device comprising upper and lower rotor units superposed on each other, said rotor units being swivelly connected for rotation about a common axis in opposite directions, said rotor units each including a set of pitched blades, a direction control assembly connected to one of said rotor units and adapted for tilting the rotor units for disposing the blades in selected planes of rotation, universally movable means depending from the control assembly including aligned tubular members, and a seat carried by one of said tubular members for supporting a user, each rotor unit including a hollow hub from which the blades extend, the blades of each rotor unit being pivoted on its respective hub for swinging movement between extended and collapsed positions respectively, the blades of each rotor unit,

in their extended positions, lying in a plane normal to the commonaxis of the rotor units, the blades when collapsed extending longitudinally of and in'closely spaced relation to the hubs, said blades including extensions projecting radially inwardly of the hubs and disposed obliquely to the length of the blades, the seat including an elongated bar member slidably connected to one of the tubular members of the universally movable means in axial alignment with said hubs, and a cam head on the inner end of said bar, said bar member with cam head being slidable through said hubs and tubular members, said blade extensions being in the path of movement of said cam head whereby the blades are swung to collapsed condition.

2. A descent-slowing device comprising upper and lower rotor units superposed on each other, said rotor units being swivelly connected for rotation about a common axis in opposite directions, said rotor units each including a set of pitched blades, a direction control assembly connected to one of said rotor units and adapted for tilting the rotor units for disposing the blades in selected planes of rotation, universally movable means depending from the control assembly including aligned tubular members, and a seat carried by one of said tubular members for supporting a user, each rotor unit including a hollow hub from which the blades extend, the blades of each rotor unit being pivoted on its respective hub for swinging movement between extended and collapsed positions respectively, the blades of each rotor unit, in their extended positions, lying in a plane normal to the common axis of the rotor units, the blades when collapsed extending longitudinally of and in closely spaced relation to the hubs, said blades including extensions projecting radially inwardly of the hubs and disposed obliquely to the length of the blades, the seat including an elongated bar member slidably connected to one of the tubular members of the universally movable means in axial alignment with said hubs, and a cam head on the inner end of said bar, said bar member with cam head being slidable through said hubs and tubular members, said blade extensions being in the path of movement of said cam head whereby the blades are swung to collapsed con dition, said blades being under spring bias tensioned to normally swing the same to extended positions.

3. A descent-slowing device comprising upper and lower rotor units superposed on each other, said rotor units being swivelly connected for rotation about a common axis in opposite directions, said rotor units each including a set of pitched blades, a direction control assembly connected to one of said rotor units and adapted for tilting the rotor units for disposing the blades in selected planes of rotation, universally movable means depending from the control assembly including aligned tubular members, and a seat carried by one of said tubular members for supporting a user, each rotor unit including a hollow hub from which the blades extend, the blades of each rotor unit being pivoted on its respective hub for swinging movement between extended and collapsed positions respectively, the blades of each rotor unit, in their extended positions, lying in a plane normal to the common axis of the rotor units, the blades when collapsed extending longitudinally of and in closely spaced relation to the hubs, said blades including extensions projecting radially inwardly of the hubs and disposed obliquely to the length of the blades, the seat including an elongated bar member slidably connected to one of the tubular members of the universally movable means in axial alignment with said hubs, and a cam head on the inner end of said bar, said bar member with cam head being slidable through said hubs and tubular members, said blade extensions being in the path of movement of said cam head whereby the blades are swung to collapsed condition, said blades being under spring bias tensioned to normally swing the same to extended positions, the seat including a transverse seat bar at the other end of said bar member.

4. A descent-siowing device comprising upper and lower rotor units superposed on each other, said rotor units being swivelly connected for rotation about a common axis in opposite directions, said rotor units each including a set of pitched blades, a direction control assembly connected to one of said rotor units and adapted for tilting the rotor units for disposing the blades in selected planes of rotation, universally movable means depending from the control assembly including aligned tubular members, and a seat carried by one of said tubular members for supporting a user, each rotor unit including a hollow hub from which the blades extend, the blades of each rotor unit being pivoted on its respective hub for swinging movement between extended and collapsed positions respectively, the blades of each rotor unit, in their extended positions, lying in a plane normal to the common axis of the rotor units, the blades when collapsed extending longitudinally of and in closely spaced relation to the hubs, said blades including extensions projecting radially inwardly of the hubs and disposed obliquely to the length of the blades, the seat including an elongated bar member slidably connected to one of the tubular members of the universally movable means in axial alignment with said hubs, and a cam head on the inner end of said bar, said bar member with cam head being slidable through said hubs and tubular members, said blade extensions being in the path of movement of said cam head whereby the blades are swung to collapsed condition, said blades being under spring bias tensioned to normally swing the same to extended positions, the seat including a transverse seat bar at the other end of said bar member, and further including detent means adjacent the seat bar for releasably engaging the bar member in selected positions to which the same is shifted.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,799,664 Williams Apr. 7, 1931 1,964,016 Wiley June 26, 1934 FOREIGN PATENTS 146,516 Great Britain July 14, 1921 645,249 France June 26, 1928 

